White House Diaries

Thursday, June 18, 1987

View the President's Schedule

The V.P. is back in off the road and says the people out there are fed up with the Iran-Contra hearings. Howard & Ken are opposed to my talking about the Persian Gulf on Sat. I’m still not convinced. They thought it would tempt Iran into a hostile or terrorist act. My belief is the Ayatollah already hates us with an insane passion. Word has now been received that an American press man has been kidnaped off the street in Beirut by the Hezbollah. We also have evidence [. . .] that Iran ordered the crime. Our man was accompanied by the son of the Lebanon Defense Minister—he was also taken.

N.S.C.—More of the same debate plus more info on Irans aquiring Silk Worm Missiles—even a photo of me.

A brief session with Culvahouse checking my memory against some of the “hearing” testimony.

Dick Wirthlin came in—not with a poll but with his “pulse” taken on my speech—a couple of low points but mostly good.

Then over to East Room for lunch & presentation of Medal of Art to several artists & 2 patrons of arts. Then a meeting of the Domestic Council. I’m faced with making a decision on instructions to our team on what we seek world wide in reduction of FluoroCarbons that are destroying the Ozone layer. Right now I dont have the answers.

Over to E.O.B. to witness signing of an agreement between Israel & U.S. for broadcasting site in Israel for Radio Liberty & Radio Free Europe. Then a session with Bob Tuttle & some photos plus a meeting with Lithuanian Leaders who came in with a plaque for me on this 600th anniversary of Christianity in Lithuania.

Then upstairs.